Athlete Kipyegon Bett dies of liver, kidney failure at 26

Athlete Kipyegon Bett of Kenya, who competed in the 800m and took home a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships in London, passed away at the age of 26 from liver and kidney failure.

After winning the U20 World Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, in 2016, Bett became well-known and was thought to be among Kenya’s most talented middle-distance runners. Nevertheless, in 2018 his career took a hit when he was suspended for doping after testing positive for the drug erythropoietin (EPO), which is known to improve sports performance. Bett repeatedly denied taking the medication.

Following the end of his suspension in August 2022, Bett continued to struggle with his mental health. According to his sister, he battled depression and became addicted to alcohol in the years that followed.

After being admitted to the hospital last week in his hometown of Kericho, Bett’s condition deteriorated and he was readmitted on Friday.

Since the Rio Olympics in 2016, Kenya has made significant investments in anti-doping initiatives, but in the last three years, more than 70 of its athletes have been banned.

The World Anti-Doping Agency recently conveyed its concerns to Kenya’s sports ministry about significant budget cuts to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak).

Adak’s budget was cut this year from $2.32 million to just $155,000, which sparked concerns about possible effects on Kenyan athletics’ integrity.

Final men’s 800 metres World Championship.